Russia: 30 Startling Facts You Didn’t Know (Part 1)

Moscow City / zastavki.com

Moscow City / zastavki.com

Russia is a unique and highly cultured destination for travel. Because of political developments, this country is often misunderstood. Many people are oblivious to all of the cool facts that this country has to offer, which is why we are here to give you the low down with 30 startling facts about it! Don’t forget to check back for our coming articles, parts two through four, to see the remaining 23 startling facts that you didn’t know about Russia!

Number Thirty: The Beer Laws

In America, laws on alcohol are tighter than ever these days. Since early times, people all over the globe have been indulging in the delicious taste and interesting effects of the alcoholic beverage. However, in Russia, this beverage was viewed a bit differently until the year 2011. Until this time, beer was not viewed as alcoholic until Medvedev finally put restrictions on the selling of the beverage.

Number Twenty-Nine: Life Expectancy

As sad as it may be, most Russian men only live to the age of 64 years. Out of every four male citizens, it is estimated that one will die before age 55. This is largely due to overconsumption of vodka- as much as three bottles per week.

Number Twenty-Eight: No Fun for You!

In the Russian language, there is actually no word that translates to “fun.” The closest they have is “joy” or “merriment” though fun is simply not allowed.

Number Twenty-Seven: No Privacy Either

In addition, the Russian language also lacks a word that translates to “privacy”. The closest that the language comes to this concept is “confidentiality” or “staying alone”, but no one is privileged with privacy.

Number Twenty-Six: Russia – Home of the McShrimp

If you were interested in dining on the exotic McShrimp, you would find that it is only available in McDonald’s Russia. This intriguing sandwich offers a seafood substitute to the American burger patty.

Number Twenty-Five: Addicted Bears

Addictive personalities are insanely common in this country, even among the animals that inhabit it. Many of the local bears have a unique drug addiction that leads them to get high from sniffing the leftover fumes of kerosene and gasoline containers.

Number Twenty-Four: Odd Elections

We have had our fair share of fishy elections here in the United States, but one odd Russian election pushed Putin to his third term. One region of the country registered in a voting rate of 146%. Although it is commonly viewed as a fraud, the votes still passed, giving Putin a 64% win. Don’t forget to check back for our coming articles, parts two through four, to see the remaining 23 startling facts that you didn’t know about Russia!